Marijuana dispensary rules differ in counties

The lobby of Little Trees Wellness Collective in Arnold resembles a typical waiting room, complete with photographs of Yosemite National Park hung on the walls.

But in a back room, a glass case full of marijuana, with names such as “Girl Scout Cookies,” can be purchased alongside edible cannabis products, including raw vegan chocolate, lavender honey and coconut butter.

“We run this place as professionals,” said Jeremy Carlson, president of Calaveras Naturals, the nonprofit corporation that manages Little Trees. “We’re just trying to run an honest business.”

Medical marijuana dispensaries have become a controversial issue lately in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties.

Dispensaries are not allowed in Tuolumne County, but are permitted in Calaveras County.

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors opted in February to delay a decision on a controversial ordinance that called for prohibiting not only dispensaries and collectives, but also any outdoor growing of medical marijuana.

For the complete story, see the April 25, 2014, edition of The Union Democrat.